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Questionnaire: Choosing a Juvenile Defense Attorney

If you are looking for a juvenile defense attorney for yourself or for your child, making the right choice can seem overwhelming. There are many sources, like Internet legal directories, that can lead you to a variety of attorneys from which to choose. Once you’ve compiled a list, you may want to interview several, by phone or in person, to find just the right one for you or your child. After all, you have a lot at stake. The following questions can help you make an informed decision.

Ask each attorney you are considering the following questions:

What experience do you have representing juveniles? ______________________________________________________________

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What experience do you have with the particular charges involved in this case?

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How long have you been practicing? _____ years

How much of that time has been devoted to juvenile law? _____ years

Is your practice currently devoted exclusively to juvenile law, or do you work in other areas? If so, what areas?

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What outcomes have you achieved for your clients in cases similar to this one?

Will you be doing the work on this case, or will you delegate it to a less experienced attorney or a paralegal or law clerk?

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What are your fees?

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How much do you think this case will cost?

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How will you keep me informed of developments in the case?

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How long will it take to resolve this case? _____________________________

Have you ever had your license suspended? If so, please explain.

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Have you been the subject of disciplinary proceedings? If so, please explain.

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Have former clients filed complaints against you? If so, please explain.

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Other Questions/Notes

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In addition, ask yourself the following questions:

Is the location of the office convenient to my home and/or office? Yes _____ No _____

Are appointments available at convenient times? Yes _____ No _____

Does this attorney’s personality work well with mine/my child’s? Yes _____ No _____

Do I feel intimidated by this attorney? Yes _____ No _____

Am I comfortable asking questions? Yes _____ No _____

Do I feel confident that this attorney will do a good job? Yes _____ No _____

Meet With a Juvenile Defense Attorney Today

Now that you have a helpful checklist, it's time to put it to use. After all, there are many benefits to hiring a juvenile defense attorney early in the process, including the ability to influence the evidence in the record and possibly enter into an agreement with the prosecution. Get a head start on your case by finding a local criminal defense attorney with juvenile court experience.

Next Steps

Contact a qualified criminal lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.